ONE thing that is inevitable on A-level results day – there will be tears.

For many teens those will be tears of joy, having got the grades they need. For others, they will be tears of despair.

But there are many options open for students who have not succeeded in getting the place they want, and many advice and call centres to get help in making the right decisions.

Futures careers advice service, in Maid Marian Way, will have staff on hand to give guidance on what university courses and apprenticeships are on offer.

They can also give advice on whether people should re-sit exams, or on job hunting.

People can call in between 1pm and 4pm today and tomorrow and all next week.

Michelle Wright, Futures' operations director, said: "We are on hand to help students through what can be a difficult time. Some students may have achieved higher grades than expected and some may be disappointed with the results.

"Whatever the situation, our qualified and professional careers advisers can talk through the options available, from employment to looking at further education and training."

For many who have not got into university, apprenticeships may be the way to go.

Learning provider Positive Outcomes is asking students to contact them at their Wheeler Gate office if they are stuck.

The office will be open from 10am to 4pm today.

Chief executive Chris Longmate said: "Our team will be on hand to chat about all manner of apprenticeships, from warehousing to leadership, to retail and sales."

Higher education courses are on offer at some colleges, too.

Central College Nottingham offers many foundation degrees and higher national diplomas in subjects including engineering and computing.

Former student Charlotte Thomson-Morley, of Cotgrave, is now senior creative illustrator for graphics firm Serif Europe. She said: "I found the course very practical."